Category Archives: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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May 15, 2025

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The Trump Card. War Stories. Day 587. 15 May, 2025

Nu? So what has been happening here in Israel over here past week? And more importantly, how do the majority of Israelis feel about recent developments? As many Americans are celebrating the reception of President Trump in several parts of the Middle East as a king or some type of royalty, Israelis are scratching their heads in wonder and are very concerned to say the least. But let us back up a bit.

Last Friday, IDF jets struck over 20 targets in southern Lebanon taking out Hizbulla weapons supply stashes, underground tunnels and hideouts for terrorists. Families in the northernmost Israeli towns and villages are being allowed to return and rebuild. Almost two years after they were evacuated, the area bordering Lebanon is now being deemed safe. No terror threat.

Explosions in Lebanon as seen from Israel’s border

Also, last Friday, a new previously unknown Iranian nuclear weapons facility was found by satellite imaging. The site location spreads out over 2500 acres. Sources on the ground inside Iran confirm this and locate it far from the other Iran sites. This raises fresh concerns about the veracity of Iran in developing weapons of mass destruction. US State Department officials are now deciding how to confront this information. They have not only the site location, but also the layout.

The Israeli army erected a field hospital for wounded Syrians just below the eastern edge of the Golan Heights in “no man’s land,” the buffer zone between Israel and Syria. This hospital serves wounded Druze and Christians. Some of the more severely wounded are being flown to Israel’s hospitals for further treatment. By the way, this was my son’s old IDF unit. He participated in this same activity when the Syrian Civil War under Assad was raging back in 2017-2020. Now it’s the “moderate” jihadi rebels who are killing and persecuting the non-Muslims.

Sirens continue to sound out throughout the center of the country on a daily basis. Most are from Houthi launched missiles. All but one have been intercepted before hitting their target. Still, it has Israeli schoolchildren and business people, soldiers and moms all running for cover to shelters. This was after the US bombed 50 of their missile sites and Israel blew the heck out of their ports. The Yemeni terror group called a ceasefire with Trump. They will no longer be aiming to disrupt international shipping lanes at sea. Israel, however, remains fair game. And the missiles continue.

So this is where the head-scratching starts. Monday, the Trump administration informed Prime Minister Netanyahu of Hamas’ intention to release IDF lone soldier, Idan Alexander, a dual American-Israeli citizen (his mom is Israeli and the family lives in Teaneck, NJ). The release is a “goodwill gesture” orchestrated by Qatar and US envoy, Steve Witkoff. It comes with no compensation or conditions. A free gift.Supposedly, Hamas relented to give up the captive at the last minute in an hopes to stop the launch of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.” This Israeli army push is to be an all-out attempt to rid the Gaza Strip of terrorists, tunnels, weapons, launch sites – and free the remaining 59 hostages. It calls for a sharp escalation in Israeli military force in Gaza.

Now. Are any more hostages being released? Does one have to have an American passport to be set free? What about the American couple (now deceased) Gadi and Judi Weinstein Haggai, still being held? Or the body of Itai Chen, 19 a dual citizen? Is Trump betraying Israel or setting Israel up? Why did Trump visit Qatar, a known supporter of terrorism: a country who gives Hamas top leadership safe harbor? Is Qatar expecting something in return from Trump for releasing Alexander?

Hamas now says they are ready and willing to enter into intensified negotiations with Witkoff, hoping to reach a deal. They have finally agreed to having the Strip run by some independent authority. We have had rumors that Trump is giving this task to Saudi Arabia. Israel insists that the area must be cleared of terrorists and that all the ‘resistance fighters’ must be completely disarmed. Any Gazan civilian who wants peaceful passage to another country willing to take them in may do so. Months of negotiations have proven fruitless, but the moment Trump comes, Hamas are suddenly quite cooperative. They can give back the hostages if they want, but they have decided to withhold them as a bargaining chip and to stall for time.

“It is pretty simple: if Qatar can arrange for a hostage to be freed, they can influence the captors. Freeing one while others remain means they’re not just mediators- they are complicit in keeping the rest hostage.” – Rabbi David Wolpe, Los Angeles.

Israel stands by the position that it’s the cutting off of more humanitarian aid and intensified military operations that have pushed Hamas to the brink. Just yesterday, there was information that the top members of the terror group would be together in an important meeting at one of the abandoned hospitals in Khan Younis. The IDF, acting on this, blew up the structure, first receiving word that no captives were being held there. We are still waiting to find out if Yahya Sinwar’s brother, Mohummad Sinwar, was killed as well as another top Hamasnik.

Trump is wrapping up his Mideast trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE today. This trip is a strategic one for him militarily, financially and politically. All three countries have signed huge deals with Trump announcing massive investments in the U.S.

Qatar has gifted the President a $400million plane to be used as the new AirForce One. This rich, terror supporting regime should not be given legitimacy. They are working so hard to rebrand themselves. They are behind the US university encampments and protests. Do not fall for their money. They are behind the kidnappings and massacres of 7 October as they funded Hamas and supplied arms to them. They are behind the past failed hostage negotiations. Qatar can order Gaza to release all the hostages in an instant. Pay attention to what is happening. Do not fall for their money or their “gifts” as it is a gold plated Trojan horse.

Qatar’s population is just over 300,000. It is a large country in area, mostly sand with tons of barrels of oil underneath. Over the past decade, this Muslim country has implemented the single most sophisticated infiltration of the West. Over one billion Qatari dollars have flowed into the American university systems. Their professors have been placed in US university classrooms. Their students have flooded the campuses.

They have poured money into American think tanks, local governments and media. Their lobbying efforts in Congress are mind blowing. “In 1996, with the help of Al Gore, Qatar unveiled a new venture that was destined to transform global media while it gave voice to anti-Americanism, anti-Zionism…AlJazeera.” – Lee Smith. It is now one of the largest media global groups with branches throughout the world.

After meeting with the Saudis and the Qataris, Trump held a meeting with Syrian President Mohammad al Jolani, now Ahmed alSharaa. He was on the American most wanted list just last year. The “moderate” now in a suit. He can wear a sharp suit and a tie, but we all know the man is a terrorist. He wants strict sharia law to rule Syria and all minorities wiped out. They should not be given legitimacy. These countries are trying to shed their war-torn image and get official recognition by a superpower. Do not fall for their attempts to rebrand.

The al Qaeda terrorist on the left is the man in the suit, photo right

Israel has not been invited to any of the high powered MidEast meetings. President Trump did not, in fact, make a stop here. Was Israel royally snubbed? Just a few weeks ago, the Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar posted this threat of annihilation to the social media platform, X:

According to the White House, Trump outlined the following demands for AlSharaa: Join the Abraham. Accords and normalize relations with Israel; expel all foreign terror from Syria (to where? Qatar?); assist the US in preventing a resurgence of ISIS; take full control of ISIS detention centers in northeastern Syria.

Some in Israeli media are stating “ Qatar gets full recognition. Syrian jihadists get full access. Hamas gets deals. Trump gets a plane. Israel gets sidelined.” And I quote one pundit “If Biden had done the $hit Trump has been doing, the right would be up in arms.” Reuters reports that the US has dropped its demand that Saudi Arabia normalize relations with Israel in exchange for a civil nuclear program. The Times of Israel reported that a “non-governmental individual told Hamas the move to release Idan Alexander would help with Trump’s team and pressure Israel into a complete cease fire.” On Monday Trump called Iran “reasonable and intelligent” in the latest US-Iran talks in Oman. Witkoff blamed Netanyahu for prolonging the war, a Biden era trope.

There is a clear overall impression that has emerged. Trump is willing to twist the arms of Israel diplomatically; go behind their backs; leave them in the dark. In a Breitbart interview, Steve Witkoff trashed the “neocons” (aka Zionists) who feel that war is the only way to solve things. Thus far, Netanyahu, the IDF and the majority of the Israeli public wants the area cleared of the terrorist element. However forcefully that needs to be. Get the job done. End it once and for all and bring back the hostages.

So Idan Alexander was finally set free. The Qatar president along with Trump and Witkoff invited him to a meeting today in Qatar. Why? He could barely walk unsupported from the REped Cross car to the Israeli helicopter waiting to take him home. He’d been chained hand and foot in a cage in a dark tunnel for over 20 months. Cigarette burns and scars on his arms. And he was asked to go to Qatar? As a prize? His father adamantly said no. He was in no condition and was in the hospital recuperating and reuniting with his family. We all breathed a huge sigh of relief here in Israel. Most Israelis were incredulous that the invitation was even proposed at all. The kid needs to rest and be treated for PTSD. He was malnourished from forced starvation and needs time to recover. The absolute gall!!!! On a side note, it is expected that he will meet Trump at the White House some time next month.

Yesterday, Netanyahu stated that Israel might go independent militarily. To be honest, the IDF has proven it is strong enough to hold its own. Israel has the capacity to manufacture its own weapons and military gear and has already started along that path. We should not be dependendent upon another country. Allies, yes. Dependent, no. Diplomatically, Israel should not be beholden to another country. We should be free to defend ourselves and for the IDF and Knesset to make their own decisions about how and when that should be done.

צלה גז,הי״ד. Tseala Gaz, of blessed memory.

And to wrap things up: late last night John and I received news from Samaria. A young couple in their early 30s were driving to the hospital because the woman was in active labor. Arab terrorists used a laser to blind drivers on the road and then opened fire on three cars. Two of the drivers escaped, but the couple in the third car were hit. The man was taken to the hospital in serious condition. The woman was critically wounded. They were transported to the nearest hospital where the woman had a Caesarian to deliver the baby. The baby remains in serious condition. The mother succumbed to her wounds.

This morning we read that the woman, 30, was named Tseala Gaz, (הי״ד), an English teacher and mother of three (now four) small children under 7 years old. The baby is fighting fore its life. This is breaking the hearts of the entire nation. The IDF has launched a manhunt to apprehend the terrorists.

Weeks before her death, Tseala made the most remarkable, most positive video, that left me in complete tears. It’s an incredible clip on resilience and hope. Unfortunately I don’t know how to close caption the English. In essence: when the day is bad, the bags are heavy, the news is grim, you can give in and give up….or you can take a deep breath, a sip of water. Change your attitude. Change your outlook. Count your blessings. Dance! We are strong! We are resilient! Take care of your own needs. Recharge, then go out into the world and be that light…

https://youtube.com/shorts/l2pLyDoyQYY?si=u_abl6a1VDbGbkX5

This tragedy is a strong and important reminder of what we are fighting for. A battle of good versus evil. We cannot let her death be in vain. Go out and do good deeds today in her merit. Pray for those children and her husband. She was on her way to have a child. The terrorist was on his way to kill. We cannot stop until good wins. Let Tseala’s children grow up in a better world. Go out this day and be a light in Tseala’s name.

I was just about to post this when I received a message from my WhatsApp group. The rabbis wife sent this note just written from Hananel Gaz, Tseala’s husband. Now you will get a glimpse into what makes this country so amazing.

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May 12, 2025

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A Star Rising. Day 584. 8 May, 2025

Starting off with accentuating the positive. I’ve lived in Israel for a decade now. Hard to believe how fast it’s gone by. There are LOTS of things we can criticize and find fault with, but today I’d like to start off by accentuating the positive. Things I’ve come to love or find really amusing.

I love flying on ElAl with a bunch of Israelis. Seriously. Besides good food (they feed you like a Jewish momma and you’ll never leave the flight hungry), at the end of the flight, just as the plane touches down, everyone breaks into thunderous applause. It’s a tradition and a way of saying thank you to the pilot and crew. Also a way of being thankful for a safe trip. It’s amazing!!!

Now, the pre-flight fun – or any time Israelis are asked to queue up. They have absolutely no concept of how to form a line. Our last flight we passed the counters and check ins for Singapore, Netherlands, American, Italy…. All super straight, super organized, well-formed lines. Israel?

Inability to form straight lines

And don’t get us started about the lines at the grocery store or the inability to have personal space when you use the Cespomat (ATM). It’s totally hysterical.

I love eating seasonally. In America, we always had everything produce wise all season long. I could find peaches in November and grapes in January. Brussels sprouts and gourds could be bought all year long. Oooo, I have a hankering for blueberries. No problem. Here, I’ve come to savor strawberry season from Chanukah to Passover. And then the stone fruits. After what seemed like forever, they finally come out early summer….peaches, nectarines, cherries. Then,they are gone until next summer. In the winter, I look forward to the delicious Jaffa oranges, and the CaraCara and blood oranges, which are available for about a month. Limes can be found late, late summer. So I buy 40 to freeze for use throughout the year. But in general, I’ve learned to miss the transience of some things, while I anticipate the coming of others.

I love that, for the most part, we are all one big family here. Sure, we disagree about everything, but when someone is in need, there is always a stranger or five who step in to help. Great examples of this happened just this week. For the first… on Sunday morning there was a red alert signal throughout central Israel. When the siren goes off, you pull over and take cover the best you can. A young father jumped out of the car, unstrapped his 5 week old baby and rushed to the side of the road seeking shelter beside a wall. A stranger crouched in front of him, wrapping his arms around both the father and child, shielding them with his own body from any falling shrapnel. We look out for each other.

Yesterday, a friend down in the center of Israel called. Her husband had just been called back to reserve duty in Gaza. He left Or behind with a three year old and a 4 month old. Tomer, the husband, is the kind of guy who fills his wife’s gas tank, brings her coffee every morning, takes care of much business so she can care for her children and run her own small business (Or has an Etsy shop). Or’s neighbor knew how overwhelmed she was with a teething baby and absent husband, so she made her a week’s worth of hot meals. Just because. We take care of each other.

I really find it amusing at how superstitious many Israelis are. G-d forbid you should say anything negative about yourself or your family – you wouldn’t want to tempt trouble. My husband often expresses in public how stupid he is (joking), and it flips these people out. You never say anything bad about yourself. And if there’s talk of impending danger be it health or wealth or other, then khas v’halillah, don’t tempt the evil eye, tfu, tfu, tfu. So I cracked up last week when John spit through his fingers and said tfu, tfu, tfu. He’s really becoming one of them.

I love how connected most Israelis are to nature. Planting trees, Going for hikes. Concerned about sustainability in a good way. How every Jewish neighborhood is mandated to have a park within walking distance.

And how family oriented people are. It is not at all uncommon for couples to marry early and have a large family of 4 or more children. There are little kids running everywhere. It’s really healthy to see. Or how the families come together every weekend for Friday night dinners. And just Fridays in general when the busyness of the week slows down. The DJs on the radio play much more relaxed and mellow music and the noise of the city dissolves away. To wake up every Saturday morning to birds chirping. No leaf blowers. No garbage trucks. No motorcycles or blaring music. Just quiet. I love it. “And what did you do all Shabbat?” “I just rested. Betten gahv.” I love this idiom!!!! It translates ‘stomach back,’ but just means to be a slug. Flip over from one side to the other. Just resting from stomach to back. I did nothing. Betten gahv.

I love making an appointment at the clinic and being seen by a doctor in less than 15 minutes. No waiting in a treatment room for hours. The doctor is right there. You go into the room and sit down and your appointment starts. When I go to my regular doctor in California, I make my appointment months ahead of time, sit in the waiting room for a good hour, and then the treatment room for at least another hour. It’s maddening. It would never be stood for here.

Last week, we discovered a small family of mice who had taken up residence in our larder (downstairs pantry). John went to the hardware store to buy some mousetraps, only to find out that they don’t sell the kind that kill or harm the animals here in Israel. The country is so darned humane and has such a respect for life that the only traps available are catch and release cages. So….John set the bait in the cages and within four days had caught all the mice and released them into far away olive groves. So much for a country bent on ‘genocide-‘

When I lived in the United States I had never heard of Eurovision. It’s a very big deal in Europe and Eurasia. An international pop music contest that has taken place for almost 60 years, it has launched careers of Abba and Celine Dion. Israel has been a participant since its inception.

I got in on the craze for the first time last year with the song “Hurricane” (fantastic) sung by Eden Golan. It was a highly contested entry because the original song, “October Rain” was deemed too controversial. The organizers had complaints that the original song was too political, so it was slightly modified. Eden Golan participated in the contest under heavy protection. She had received numerous death threats and had to be escorted by bodyguards wherever she went. Her song was booed when done live, but the performance (song, voice, set, dancers) was so wonderful, she got fourth place (out of 36 entries). It was the number one song in Israel all last year.

https://youtu.be/lJYn09tuPw4?si=CpOmftp-aE2AKKO5

This year, the story gets even better. Yuval Raphael attended the Nova Music Festival with her friends that fated October morning in 2023. When the shelling started and the Hamas terrorists invaded the Israeli border communities, Yuval took shelter in one of the concrete bunkers on the side of the road. Normal capacity is about 20 people, but over 50 young concert goers crowded into the bomb shelter. Yuval was texting her parents through the whole ordeal.

The terrorists came around and started sending volleys of bullets from their machine guns right into the shelters, killing and wounding several kids. One Gazan threw a grenade into the shelter. It was tossed back by a young IDF soldier inside. Then another. He threw the grenade out. Seven times. Over and over. The brave soldier kept catching and throwing the grenade outside where it exploded. Then on the eight time, the grenade exploders inside the shelter killing scores. Yuval and her friend were at the back. Dead bodies piled on top of them.

Her father told her “Play dead. Don’t move. Don’t make a noise.” Hamas kept coming back, shooting into the shelter. It was a living nightmare that lasted for over 8 hours. Finally her father, defying all roadblocks and odds came to rescue her. She survived the Nova massacre, albeit wounded. Now she’s facing hate at Eurovision. Over 70 past Eurovision stars as well as present entries are calling for Miss Raphael to be banned because of her ethnicity/nationality. (Her family has Kurdish, Iraqi, Persian and French roots).

Yuval never sang professionally, but decided to enter into Israel’s version of The Voice, The Next Star, last January. It was part of her healing process. Her performance was so shattering, that she not only won that competition, but was immediately chosen to be Israel’s representative for Eurovision. “I’m coming to Eurovision to sing for all the angels who can’t be here. I survived, I have to make the most out of my life to honor them.” Have we talked of Israeli resilience before???? This is Yuval giving her story and her song on The Next Star. It’s a MUST WATCH AND SHARE! Get your tissues out. Seriously. You’ll cry- (close caption translations…)

https://youtu.be/OUeejYiU8LA?si=K8LJMyVN7NBSBZXj

Is she not poised, beautiful, amazing, brave?? You can see more, full interviews with her testimony on YouTube. Fluent in Hebrew, English and French (her family lived in Switzerland and now she returns to Switzerland for the competition). Such a talent! Such a person to represent our country. This is the music video that was made for her entry into Eurovision.

https://youtu.be/Q3BELu4z6-U?si=8ElYEXRj0S-H4xIw

The semifinal round is coming up this weekend. Yuval has already had to face threats and is heavily guarded. Wherever she is escorted in Switzerland, this 24 year old has had to face massive anti-Israel/pro-Gaza protests and demonstrations. With the backlash against Israel in the world, it’s pretty much a surety that she will not win. Still- we shall see how it shakes out.

You can follow (and vote for your favorite contestant) the Eurovision contest live. It’s being live-streamed across the internet. Most of the groups and performers are pretty sleezy to say the least. It’s known for its wackiness for the most part. I shall report back on how Yuval Raphael placed.

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May 1, 2025

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RESISTANCE!!! War Stories. Day 573. 1 May,2025

Environmental Terrorism: one or more unlawful or even hostile actions that harm or destroy environmental resources or deprive others of their use. It is different to [sic] environmental vandalism, which is a rather permitted but ethically disputed destruction of environment. – Wikipedia

Yesterday started out quietly enough with our morning coffee on the balcony. We had planned a subdued day with a short visit to the local cemetery to pay our respects at the graves of the fallen soldiers and victims of terror from our city. The national siren blared at exactly 11:00, just about the time the wind picked up.

With wind gusts reaching up to 80mph, and the temperatures climbing into the mid 90*F, combined with a very dry winter, the setting was perfect for acts of resistance against the occupation. You see, it was the beginning of Nakba Day, the day the Arabic speaking countries surrounding Israel lost the war they started in 1948. The Palestinian people were still mad. Bent on revenge combined with the desire to do as much damage as they could do the land. To disrupt. To frighten the “settlers” away. To kill Israelis, aka Jews.

By noon, the air was already dusty and sandy from the wind. Then the smoke started to pour in over the hills. I checked the news. A major breaking national crisis was unfolding as the hills around Jerusalem were engulfed in flames. Civilians, caught in the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, were fleeing their vehicles on foot. Emergency crew from Hatzalah were going from to car to char to make sure everyone had evacuated.

Our friends, were visiting a soldier’s grave in BeitShemesh, the center of it all. I texted her and she sent a frightening photo-

It would take them over four hours to get through the traffic. My friend, Elli, in Modi’in was waiting for the call for her family to be evacuated. And the news started pouring in.

All public events for that evening and the next day, Israeli Independence Day, were cancelled. There are to be absolutely no barbecues, grilling or open fires throughout the country, Backup firefighters from Cypress, Greece, Croatia and Italy were coming in to help spray fire retardant.

All across Arab channels, messages were going out for all people to go out and start more fires. They weren’t even bothering to hide it. Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram. No shame. No cowardice. Here it is- and the Palestinians were celebrating it.

“Let the settlers homes be turned to ashes”
Set fire to the forests and settlements”
“Break the chains of the settlements with fire.”
“we will not submit. We will not surrender. We will burn every usurped land.”
“Let them know that every day is struggle and resistance.”
Translated by breaking news from the Arabic

While we were trying to mourn our fallen heroes, they were setting our forests on fire. All over the country. As of my writing this, there have been 18 arrests. The massive wildfires spread by the strong wind through central Israel. Volunteers were asked to help go out and patrol their own areas for any suspected arsonists. It’s a national crisis, and to tell the truth, it might be a preview of what’s to come over a long, hot, dry summer.

The air quality index has listed the whole country as under a danger warning. People are instructed to stay indoors. The torch bearing ceremony, which included people who helped strengthen, defend and unite our country, has been canceled. There will be a televised previous rehearsal shown instead. More news comes in showing a map of all the fires burning.

I don’t know what the 2 orange men running means, but the rest is self-explanatory

I didn’t come up with this comparison, but it fits the narrative perfectly. Recall the story of wise King Solomon and the two mothers. The women were sharing the same bed with their two infants. In the morning one baby was dead. Each accused the other of murdering the infant and claimed the surviving baby was their own. What to do? King Solomon said to cut the baby in half, each mother taking half the child. The real mother relinquished and gave up her own baby to the accuser rather than seeing her precious child harmed/killed. These monsters (and yes, I am labeling them evil monsters) claim rightful ownership of the Land. What kind of person would destroy their own territory to spite the other?

In other news, yesterday in Renaana, a Reform synagogue held a public memorial service for both Israelis and Gazans/ Palestinians. Israelis were furious and protestors showed up. They tried to shut the service down, things grew ugly, the police were called in and people were injured. Israelis don’t take kindly to comparing our soldiers to Hamas terrorists. Meanwhile, also in Renaana, streets were renamed for the local fallen soldiers.

In southern Israel the high winds caused a massive, blinding sandstorm. Visibility was zero in the desert to Eilat. And at 11:13pm there was an emergency warning. A terrorist infiltrated the village of Giv’at Binyamin in Samaria. Everyone was ordered to enter a building and immediately lock all doors and shutter all windows. Go to a safe room or protected space. Sit on the floor below all window lines until further notice. The three terror suspects armed with knives and grenades were found, and after a gunfight with the IDF, neutralized and arrested.

Yesterday’s blogpost was entitled Beauty for Ashes. Today it’s mostly ashes. I’ll be happy to see the Beauty when it shows up.

https://youtu.be/QLEgNYMdj94?si=Bovtvvq4uE4m3c3q

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April 17, 2025

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Rays of Light and Hope. Day 559. War Stories. 17 April, 2025.

These are the intermediate days of the (in Israel) 7 day Passover Holiday. All the children are off school. Families are taking vacations or going on field trips. Things are relatively quiet here. And I am spending the week at home, gardening, organizing and getting much needed rest. Despite grand plans of day trips and museum visits, I’m being a slug. Our houseguests from Vienna never arrived, and I’m taking advantage of all the extra time. Spring has officially arrived and the weather is glorious! All the trees are in full bloom.

So instead of getting into the war and all the intrigue about who knew what and when which has come forth in the past couple weeks, I choose to focus on the good.

The first story is the tale of a discovery and reunion.It is being seen as a small miracle from 7 October after over 18 months in Gaza. It was an emotional day yesterday when Rachel Danzig was reunited with her beloved Billy, a 3 1/2 year old King Charles Spaniel. Billy, was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz into Gaza by Palestinian civilian terrorists. Rachel’s husband, Alex,76, was also kidnapped (subsequently murdered and still remains there). Many of Rachel’s family and close friends were slaughtered that day.

Last Thursday, a reservist, Aviad S., discovered Billy in Rafah, Gaza. He carried the dog back to his unit and took her into his care.. Billy even spent Passover with the soldiers before being brought safely back to Israel. Tuesday, a vet confirmed by microchip implanted in Billy that the dog belonged to Danzig and yesterday, the long-awaited reuinion took place. Billy leapt into Rachel’s arms, tail wagging and licking her. The family, still in mourning, described the moment as “a miracle from heaven.”

Since Billy’s captivity, the family had adopted another Kig Charles Spaniel, believing Billy would never return. Now both dogs will live together, a symbol of resilience and healing in the face of unimaginable tragedy. This story struck at the heartstrings of Israelis, still reeling after the events of 7 October, a small sliver of goodness and a reminder that miracles do happen.

https://youtube.com/shorts/QUlHKJWxoZY?si=uXzMAKGoV9mHie-E

Recently released hostage, Sasha Trouvanov was in the United States a couple weeks ago. He visited the White a house and spoke with President Trump. He also had the opportunity to speak with various organizations and at Jewish synagogues on the East Coast. At a Palm Beach Synagogue, he gave testimony yesterday of how he found G-d while in captivity.

Before October 7, I didn’t believe in G-d at all. . I was raised in a community they was atheist. g-d has no place in my life at all. During the time I was held in Gaza and the tough things I went through, step by step I got the place to think to reflect about my life, what I’ve been through, what I’ve done before 7 October, and the event itself and what I am doing now in this time in this place. I am in Gaza and I start reflecting on my life and thinking about what is life itself. Is G-d real or not. I came to understanding that the is G-d and it gave me a lot of strength. Believing. Being g able to pray. Finding strength from prayer. Being able to understand that well maybe I’m in tough moment right now. Maybe G-d put me in a place that is tough… it’s very sad. You are alone and feel very alone. Very vulnerable. It’s my choice what I’m d9g with it. I can be sad I can be depressed or I can find strength do things that will help me get out of this situation. To find happiness even if there is not a lot to be happy for. I chose the second choice. I choose G-d. It’s helped me a lot. It’s helped me when my life was in danger. It helped me going through hardships as well as physically and helped my soul a lot. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to find this belief in G-d during this tough time.

Not only is Sasha back to safety with his now-fiancée, who was released in 2024, but he is studying the Scriptures with a rabbi and learning about Judaism. Because he is a Cohen, part of the priestly line, Sasha was invited to be one of the Cohenim to give the priestly blessing to the crowds gathered at the Western Wall this Passover.

Of the hostages taken from Israel into Gaza were the Americans, Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva. Every weekend before that horrific day, the family would gather together for an American style pancake breakfast, made with love by Keith. It filled their home with joy and love, and the scent of maple syrup. On Simchat Torah, 2023, their Saturdays were shattered when their community was breached and they were abducted by the terrorists, their home destroyed. Aviva was released in December of ‘23, but Keith remained in the underground tunnels for 484 harrowing days. He was isolated, abused and starved before his release a little over 2 months ago.

Now that he’s back home and together with family, he’s joyfully sharing the family tradition with the public. In Sarona Market, Tel Aviv, he’s exuding hope, resilience and healing with his pop-up – Keith Siegel’s Pancake House. “In captivity, food was a rare commodity. I didn’t allow myself to think about pancakes,” stated Siegel. “ I was amazed when I came back and discovered that everyone. Israel was making them in my honor. It moved me deeply.” These days, lines to buy Siegel’s pancakes stretch around the block. It’s a message to the world. He asks the customers to remember the remaining 59 captives with every bite. All proceeds go to family recovery projects and for therapy for them and other victims. “This pancake house isn’t just about food. It’s about not giving up. It’s about remembering.”

Aviva and Keith Siegel and their daughter, Shir, at the Pancake House

We here in Israel have recently found out the heroism and bravery of IDF soldier, Eden Nimri, 22. Liri Albag, one of the female Israeli girl soldiers released two months ago met with the parents of Eden Nimri to share with them the details of their daughter’s valor during her last hours at the Battle of Nahal Oz Shelter. Despite 10 people murdered by the Hamas terrorists that day, and the 7 IDF soldiers being captured into Gaza, Eden kept firing at the terrorists. The Hamas terrorists tossed smoke grenades into the shelter where soldiers had taken cover. Her efforts allowed 14 to escape and then remained the last soldier armed in the shelter until she ran out of ammunition. Hamas then threw three more smoke bombs in which were tossed back out by Karina Ariev (also captured, just released) and Shiraz Yam Amar, who was killed. Eden then fought off several terrorists with her bare hands!!! until she, herself, was shot and killed. Altogether, Eden was responsible for saving the lives of 19 soldiers.

Before this war is over, I am sure we will be hearing the stories of our valiant young people and how they stared down terrorists bent on evil and destruction. Stories are just now coming out as people are in therapy sessions, willing to speak with news outlets about their ordeals and as more hostages are released.

The birth rate is up 14% since the war began. Couples are still getting engaged and married at an incredible pace. Grand engagement parties are being sponsored by IDF battalions as a soldier pops the question (always on blended knee) to his intended. The Jewish people are celebrating the true meaning of the holidays as never before. People are finding faith in G-d and I do believe that Israel is growing stronger and more solid in their faith. It is a healthy sign and gives hope that things will be better soon.

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April 10, 2025

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A Short News Roundup. Day 552 of the War. 10 April, 2025.

The unpacking from our trip has finished. Shopping done. Passover preparation including cleaning out the fridge, pantry, counters, oven, stove and floors have been rid of crumbs and bread, legumes, wheat products and leavening agents. Chicken soup checked off. Matzah kugel finished. But I’ve lived in Israel long enough to save the major Spring cleaning for later.

You see, it happens every year. The week of Pesach. Without fail. We have a terrible dust storm. The weather gets warmer. The winds kick up and all that desert dirt and crud from construction and strip mining and all the pollen creates thick clouds enveloping everything. It seeps through the cracks in the window blinds and makes its way under the doors. The cars and all else gets covered with the shmutz. I’ll do the windows and sweep off the porch and balcony later. We’ll take the car to the car wash another week.

But the good news is that the fresh garlic has come in from the fields. It is something I look forward to every year. I get about 70 heads of fresh garlic and make fermented garlic honey, which is rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant goodness. I make garlic oil and a delicious ground up fresh garlic paste with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and spices. It’s amazing on everything. The rest I braid and hang downstairs and it lasts me about a year.

Now for the news: What is happening in Israel, in the Middle East and in the world that you might not have heard about? Trump and Netanyahu met in an emergency meeting this past week. Netanyahu’s plane had to fly an extra 250 miles to avoid countries that might enforce the ICC’s arrest warrant. He literally swerved the plane to avoid antisemitic nut jobs. What was on their scheduled list of things to discuss? The hostages. Iran. Tariffs. Israeli and Turkish relations.

Trump is down for direct talks with the Ayatollas in Iran this Saturday. Israel has been placed on extra high alert. Trump’s pressuring Iran not to have nuclear weapons is being perceived as fear from Iran. The US sent a second air defense battery to Israel and moved more stealth bombers to Diego Garcia base. In 2015 Iran signed a nuclear deal under the Obama admin. Supposedly they would limit their production of weapons-grade uranium in exchange for a lifting of sanctions. Trump ended the deal in 2018. But under Biden, sanctions were once again lifted and Iran resumed enriching uranium for nuclear weapons. President Trump is re-exerting maximum pressure on Iran, and is now implying that a new deal will soon be on the way. As he said, “If the talks on Saturday fail, it will be a very bad day for Iran.” We will see what that means- “There are a lot of things happening 8 the Middle East right now, some of which I don’t want to talk about yet. I think it’s better to keep quiet.”

Netanyahu has announced he will cancel all Israeli tariffs on US imported goods. He was probably hoping for a deal in exchange with Trump, but Trump has kept the 17% tariff on Israeli goods coming into the US. “American already gives Israel billions of dollars, which is a lot of money,” was Trump’s reasoning. Perhaps he doesn’t want to set a precedent for favoring allies. Perhaps it’s a power play, but in any event I think it is fair enough.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Turkey, a NATO member. Netanyahu does not want to allow them to build military bases in Syria. Trump is allies with Erdogan who is very antithetical to Israel. As far as the Gaza War and the captives go, Trump stated “ We’re working to get the hostages out. I think the war will stop at some point not too far off. “

To report on what is happening here with Hamas and the Gaza War as well as ‘hostage negotiations:’ We now have proof who paid for the 7 October Hamas incursion into Israel with subsequent massacre and kidnappings. A letter was found in one of the tunnels from Mohammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar, (literally dead heads of the terror organization) asking Iran for $500million to “destroy Israel” laying out the basic framework of their evil plans. They received the money. The ring of terror starts and ends with the Iranian regime.

Also this past week…I was on a Zoom meeting when my entire screen lit up again – Hamas fired 10 rockets into Israel. It was their biggest barrage in quite some time. There was a direct hit on an apartment complex in Ashkelon. Three were injured. 29 were treated for trauma. The rockets were launched from an area in central Gaza which had been mostly left alone by the IDF. No more. Was there ANY coverage of this in the Western world? It seems as if the media doesn’t care if rockets are flying over Israeli homes.

The IDF has significantly increased their offensive across Gaza. Over 200 known and marked terrorist sites were hit this week. Entire neighborhoods are being searched and cleared, civilians evacuated. Every building with any Hamas infrastructure…weapons storages, maps, letters, papers, ammunition, uniforms… is being demolished. It is a planned and systematic takedown that Israel was held back from doing under Biden. It is efficient and effective. The army has begun building the Morag Corridor to prevent smuggling between Rafah and Egypt. More Hamas command is being eliminated including the “journalist” responsible for filming and telereporting in live time the 7October attacks. 40% of Gaza is now under Israeli control. The partial remains of one of the hostages was discovered and returned to Israel by the IDF. I do not recall a name being released. I could be wrong. I do not know what ‘partial remains’ means, just what it sounds like, I guess.

This week, Hamas released another of their propaganda videos, showing two more of the hostages alive – Max Herkin and Bar Kupershtein. It was another depressing and disgusting video. Qatar, Oman and Egypt are part of the newest round of hostages negotiations. They are offering 8 hostages (both alive and dead) in return for a total IDF withdrawal, 70 day pause leading to complete ceasefire. They also demand the release of over 1000 convicted prisoners I Israeli jails. These include people who have attempted or succeeded in carrying out terror attacks against Israelis – stabbings, car rammings, shootings, and bombings. More than 20 plane loads of Gazans have been airlifted out of the Strip. Some bound for Somalia, others Iraq, Germany and Ireland.

It was also reported this week, but picked up by few mainstream media outlets, that over 70% of Gazan casualties are army-age men. This proves that the Israeli army is doing a superb job of avoiding civilian casualties, whereas Hamas is still intent on using the innocent as shields and forcing them at gunpoint to remain in known combat zones. They use hospitals, schools and mosques as cover and fire at IDF and Israeli targets from civilian population pockets. At least 3400 previously identified and named children that the Gaza Health Authority (Hamas) claimed were killed by Israeli airstrikes were mysteriously deleted from their recent list of fatalities. Hamas has falsified their data, inflating their casualty rates. Inaccuracies also sited were: men listed as women to inflate female fatality reports; adults registered as children; the inclusion of natural deaths in reporting. The IDF has estimated that approximately 17,000 Hamas terrorists have been eliminated in the fighting. The real combatant to civilian death ratio is now listed as 1:1, which is significantly better than in most modern wars where the ratio is 1:9.

Fighting continues between the IDF and terrorist gangs in Judaea and Samaria (West Bank). The army has been trying to clear terror cells out of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and the entire region. New Jewish communities/settlements have been approved for the area. I despise the word settlements, because it sounds like squatters or pioneers. They are actually modern suburban villages or towns which are master-planned by urban architects and are scheduled to be built in the coming years.

And FrenchPresident Macron wrote yesterday that “France will announce a full recognition of a Palestinian state with Easyt Jerusalem as its capital I June, out of commitment to peace and stability in the region.” Has no one yet informed him that the Two State solution is now officially dead?

And the cutest story: the IDF dress code has changed allowing non-religious men to have beards (regular soldiers, not just reservists. My son wore a righteous, gnarly beard and had a pony tail while he served in reserves). I guess it’s only fair. The girls can now wear colored nail polish. How cute is that? And all soldiers are allowed to travel home in their field attire instead of having to wear their dress uniforms on public transportation. These seemingly small, insignificant changes are a huge morale boost, especially to the combat soldiers.

More on the political intrigue and the “Deep Swamp” as well as the Netanyahu trials (immediately after landing in Israel from his White House trip, he headed to testify in his Supreme Court trial). Plus all of the Balaam going on with our Shin Bet (like the CIA) which has been found to be thoroughly corrupt. But I’ll save all that for after Passover. Until then have a sweet holiday, if you are celebrating.

https://videopress.com/v/c3ZO0c26?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true
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March 18, 2025

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Operation Strength and Sword. War Stories Day 529. 18 March, 2025

We’re now in the US for a month as my daughter was due with her second baby almost two weeks ago. Great news, finally late last night she had a peaceful, joyful home birth with a midwife. There were no complications. She had a baby girl, 6 pounds 12 ounces (3.07 kg) and the happy family are resting comfortably. John and I are in a hotel taking care of her 3 year old big brother. Later, a zoo trip is in order.

But first, I’ve been carefully watching all the news from the Israeli side – absolutely none of which has been reported on any news stations or paper here. So last night’s declaration of war on Gaza came as a surprise to many. Over the three weeks, the US has been involved (with Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Hamas) in intense hostage negotiation and continuation of the cease-fire talks.

Hamas refused every single offer put on the table. Israel, in good faith, continued offering an emptying of prisons of many remaining convicted terrorists including all who have been captured during the war over the past 17 months. They tried to negotiate a ceasefire through the end of April. And a rebuilding of Gaza. The US envoy with Steve Witcoff attempted to secure the release of eleven hostages: one American who is still alive; three that were known to need intensive hospitalization and eight bodies including those of 4 Americans. Then they asked for the return of 5 – one alive, 4 dead. All requests were denied. 59 hostages are still in captivity. Those alive are suffering greatly as per the reports from the recently released hostages.

Hamas has violated every single ceasefire from October, 2023 onward. They have launched missiles during a pause of fighting. They have delayed in releasing names of hostages to be set free. Hamas returned the body of an unknown woman in the coffin which was supposed to hold Shari Bibas (it was soon rectified). They delayed the release of hostages in order to stage elaborate propaganda sets. They have sent little children as young as 4 years old, to the border and to IDF outposts to ‘spy out’ the troops and territory (just last week). They have continued to dig tunnels and pour cement to reinforce the tunnels even as there was a pause in fighting. And weapons caches have been found smuggled in through both Egypt and through humanitarian aid shipments.

On the 20th February, Hamas-associated operatives operating from Judaea/Samaria (West Bank) infiltrated into Israel planting bomb on busses in 5 Israeli cities. There have been dozens of stabbing and shooting attacks throughout Israel during the ceasefire. The White House reports that Hamas leaders will not agree to any reasonable offer to end the war.

Last night Israel proceeded with “Operation Strength and Sword,” a preemptive campaign designed to prevent another surprise incursion by Hamas operatives into Israeli territory. Troop movements were detected and intelligence picked up as to their intent to execute another 7 October attack. The military operation, a return to war, was designed to force Hamas back to the negotiating table. It is a limited measure.

The decision to resume airstrikes on Gaza was approved unanimously by all the ministers of Israel’s security agencies as well as both present IDF Chief of Staff and past head, Former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. Israel began targeted strikes (NOT indiscriminate bombing) last night from the sea and air. The IDF identified over 100 terror targets aimed at many top and mid-level commanders. At least 12 senior officials have been eliminated including:

  • Major General Mahmoud Abu Wafta, Undersecretary of Gaza’s Interior Ministry. He was responsible for the rebuilding of destroyed Hamas infrastructure.
  • Brigadier general Bahjat Abu Sultan, head of central operations
  • Abu Obeida Al-Jamasi, senior member of Hamas political and propaganda/journalism bureau
  • Abu Omar Al-khatta, Secretary General of Gaza’s Ministry of Justice
  • Abu Hamza, Spokesman for Islamic Jihad
  • Hassan Al-Naam Abu Ali, Senior member of PIJ

Some of their homes that were bombed in the surprise attack also housed their wives and children, who were also killed.

A statement from the Hostage Families Forum was just released:

The greatest fear of the families, the hostages and the citizens of Israel [not all by any means, my addition] has come true. The Israeli government has chosen to abandon the hostages. We are shocked, outraged and terrified at the deliberate collapse of the process to return our loved ones from Hamas captivity. Resuming the war will put the remaining 59 [ many are corpses being held] at greater risk.

In other news, in Syria, the Al-Julani regime now in power have killed over 8,000 Christians, Alawites and Kurds in systematic emptying of villages and executions. This has happened in Latakia, Hamas, Homs, Jablah and outlying towns. Over 150 Druze elders from the mountain villages bordering Israel on the slope of Mt. Hermon, were allowed entry into Israel to visit the holy shrines of their saints. These included the tombs of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law; the prophet Sabalan/Zebulon, and 2 others. It was the first time the Druze communities have been reunited since 1948. They were hosted for an overnight stay and meeting with the heads of the Israeli Druze communities.

Druze sheiks from Syria visit Israel

IDF air strikes targeting remaining chemical weapons storage facilities near Damascus and other weapons depots resumed in Syria over the past two days. Israel does not want these to fall into the hands of terrorist insurgents. Also, several targeted strikes by the IAF were made on Hizbulla tunnels and strongholds in Lebanon. Hizbulla, also, has been continually violating the terms of their ceasefire. Israel is now on the offensive in preventing further attacks on the citizens of Israel, hoping that all those displaced from the northern border towns and villages will soon be able to return.

The Trump administration has been bombing key missile sites and ports in Yemen to put down the Houthi regime. They have been putting a stranglehold on shipping in the Red Sea/Gulf of Adan/Arabian Sea. As I was writing this article, at exactly 10am California time/ 7pm Israel time, the Houthis launched missiles from Yemen headed towards both Dimona, the nuclear reactor site, and Ben Gurion airport. The airport closed all operations temporarily. Iron Dome was able to intercept both warheads.

In the meantime, we have begun to get news from the MidEast on television here. The Gaza Red Cresent (health ministry) is reporting over 1700 children have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. It is interesting to note, that the people who cannot keep count and location of 59 remaining hostages are able to give a death toll in less than 12 hours. Israel has estimated that just over 300 people total have been killed, but this is just a proximate count. As far as I know, there has not been any report of troop movement into Gaza.

As for us, John has been a crack trooper in fending off concerted attacks on the cookies and mini fridge. He’s changed 2 diapers, and wrestled the pjs off a wiggling toddler to put on his outfit of the day. Toddler wrangling while I write this post has him in awe of how I managed 4 little ones under the age of 7. The toy cars have been lined up and are ready to roll across the floor. And if I can get myself in gear, we will go to the zoo soon. I’ll try to send a photo of the baby soon…. And if any other news develops, I shall try to report.

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March 2, 2025

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Bein haMitzar… War Update. Day. 513. 2 March, 2025

Bein haMitzar in Hebrew roughly translates to between the narrow places. Between a rock and a hard place. The straits are narrow and the sides are tall. So what do we do? Take it day by day, pray and push through. That seems to be the Israeli way.

At present we are in a period of relative (relative!) calm. The Houthis are inactive. Hizbulla has been mostly dismantled on the Lebanese border. They have violated their end of the ceasefire on numerous occasions, and the IDF is staying put in 5 strategic places to ensure that they cannot invade Israel Hamas-style as was their original intent in July/August.

The Syrian rebels, although a threat, are fairly well contained in Syria. Israel has the entire Mt. Hermon area, the highest peak and most strategic outlook in the area, with views deep inside both Syria and Lebanon. The Druze and Christian communities, on what was Syrian territory before they abandoned it, are literally begging to be annexed into Israel. They form a protective edge on the Israeli border with Syria. Personally, I say ‘go for it.’ Annex them. They will fight to defend Israel, and if caught by the Rebels, they would face (the peaceful Christians) extreme persecution, even death. Israel is still carrying out precision air strikes to take out lead Hizbulla operatives in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. They are also targeting weapons transfers and weapons storage facilities.

In Lebanon, the new president, Joseph Aoun, has kicked Iranian diplomats out, refusing to let them attend the funeral of Nazralla last week. The new Suni Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in his speech to Parliament, “ We want a country that will have the decision on war and peace in its own hands. A country that is not run with an aggressive mentality but with a defensive mentality, one that will protect its people, and if it has to go to war, it will be done according to the constitution.” With that, they are trying to oust the country of Iranian influence as well as its proxy in terror, Hizbulla. It is asserting its own independence, finally. The country and people have been impoverished and ravaged by endless wars for decades and it seems that they want an end to all this.

Judaea and Samaria remain a huge problem. Over a thousand convicted felons…murderers and those who have planned suicide attacks on Israelis, have been let out of prison into Judaea in Samaria. It is a hotly contested land with both Jewish cities, towns and farms and Arab cities, towns and farms. In Samaria, Jenin, which has always been a hotbed for terrorists, weapons smuggling, drug running and general violence is now being cleaned out by the IDF. They are actively seeking weapons caches and terrorists. Also, Tulkarem is a nest of nefarious activity and is being closely monitored. Several car rammings nd stabbings have been reported in Samaria. Just Friday, 12 people were injured, 2 critically, in a car ramming attack.

In Gaza, phase 1 of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has ended. The agreement, led by US envoy Witkoff, Qatar and Egypt require Israel to pull out of the Philadelphi Corridor. This is the narrow border between Egypt and Gaza. Israel refuses as they need to be able to prevent terrorists from freely crossing the border with weapons. They cannot be allowed to rearm and regroup. We have seen the myriad troops in their uniforms and carrying weapons at the captive release ceremonies. Hamas considers Israel’s non withdrawal policy a breach of the agreement, which they have completely violated on all accounts.

Negotiations are still ongoing, although intelligence reported that Hamas had relocated operatives from southern Gaza back to the North. They still have tunnels ands hidden weapons stockpiles as well as suicide drones laden with explosives, so they still pose a very viable threat to the citizens of Israel. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz staged, “the cease fire was not due to troop exhaustion or lack of munitions, but solely to facilitate the return of the hostages.” Israel has agreed to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan, which is happening now. They will pause in any hostilities for 42 days in exchange for the release of all the non-soldiers male hostages and all in desperate need of medical attention (Alon Ohel) still being held. This would eventually lead to a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has absolutely negated that deal. They have flatly refused. Israel has said that there will be no truce without the release of ALL the hostages. The hostages are their one bargaining chip…

    Israel now has three options:

    • Return to fighting an all-out, no-holds-barred with Hamas in Gaza
    • Extend ,Phase l and continuing the release of the captives, completely nixed by Hamas last night. Whether this option remains viable, who knows, as Hamas always negates an agreement, then backs down at the last minute and acquiesces.
    • Push forward to Phase ll of the proposed agreement. Israel will continue to release more prisoners in exchange for captives. Hamas demands the release of 150 convicted prisoners in exchange for each body/hostage released. Israel will completely pull out of Gaza.

    The Trump administration is fully backing Israel in its decision. Trump has already demanded a release of those being held or there will be “hell to pay.” It seems Hamas is being backed up against a wall with only two possible options – complete surrender or resume fighting until the end. We are waiting to see what will happen next. Our troops are ready whatever the outcome.

    Tuesday, the seven leaders of the Arab League will begin their summit in Cairo to discuss the proposals made by Trump and the question of what will be in the Gaza Strip. Who will live there? Who will govern? Who will rebuild? What will be rebuilt? Also being discussed are relocation possibilities and regional security issues. Most of the plan has already been hashed out by Egypt.

    Through this entire war, hostage release debacle, and all the internal affairs of the nation of Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been testifying in court. He has been made to stand on trial in the middle of the most insane war. The fact that he has been held in a room, having to testify for hours and hours instead of dealing with the war, shows a little of Israel’s deep state issue. Elon Musk last week called out those people who are actually unelected officials running the bureaucracy of the country. The deep state here is much more impactful than people realize. The vast majority of Israel are against this.

    Intelligence has come out about the events surrounding 7 October. As it turns out, a young girl (soldier in intelligence) wrote a full report about the intended plans of Hamas to invade on a holiday Shabbat and do as much damage as possible, massacring, bombing, kidnapping hostages, and using massive continual rocket barrages as a distraction. She gave the written report to her immediate supervisor, who completely dismissed the entire write-up as complete fantasy. He tried to rationalize that there was absolutely no way this could happen, that Israel’s defense was strong. The girl was told to stand down, and the report never reached the higher ups. That’s ego. The commander has been fired. I hope he will be held partially responsible.

    Further details are coming forth from the released hostages as to their treatment while in Gaza. It is horrific, for the most part. Here is the testimony of Eli Sharabi, whose wife and two daughters were killed that day, unbeknownst to him. Just so you know can see, this is a photo of him before he was kidnapped:

    Eli Sharabi before he was taken to Gaza as a civilian hostage

    https://youtu.be/jVPAlnqDorc?si=-JETR8oeq8TkeHBy

    I pray that all the hostages will be liberated miraculously, through negotiations or daring rescue operations.

    I will be leaving for a month in California. My daughter is due with baby #2 at any moment. Hopefully, my husband and I can be of some help. We also have another daughter and her family in the area. And our youngest daughter in Seattle will also try to join us with her family for a long weekend.

    In the meantime, I have several “feature articles” which I hope to release in the coming days. I have already done the interviews. We will be watching the news very closely and if anything happens, or if war breaks out, I will try to cover it as much as I can find out. In the meantime, we remain in the narrow straits, a time of quiet for now-

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    February 27, 2025

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    War Stories. Day 510. 27 February, 2025

    Color Me Orange

    For one day, it seems, the world took notice. What did it take? The bodies of a beautiful young mom and her two orange haired babies.

    Paris
    Rio de Janeiro
    Budapest
    New York City
    Los Angeles

    Yesterday, all of Israel mourned together. It seemed the entire nation stood still. The funeral procession made its way from Rishon l’Tsiyon to the cemetery at Nir Oz carrying the bodies of the Bibas family. The streets were clogged the entire way with people waving Israeli flags and orange flags, banners and orange balloons. As the hearse passed, the crowd would release their balloons, sending them floating overhead in a never ending sea of orange. It was one of the largest funerals in Israel, equal to that of the great rabbis.

    Shiri and her husband, Yarden, were awakened early morning of 7 October, 2023, as civilian terrorists from Gaza were breaking into their house. They debated whether to surrender of fight. At Shiri’s insistence, Yarden went into the living room to fight them off, but he was greatly outnumbered and out armed. They took the family, Shiri, Ariel, who had just turned 4, and baby Kfir, only 9 months. I watched that day, as the Gazans had uploaded all the footage in real time and it was playing out on the Arabic news stations. Everyone who remembers ears the video clip, knows the look of abject fear in Shiri’s eyes as she clutches her precious children and were led away. Their dog, Tonto, was taken as well, and the next day was shot, also on video.

    We found out this week that Shiri and the children had been murdered early on, while Yarden spent 503 days in captivity. His survival was partially attributed to the fact that he would be reunited with his family. He was holding on to the thread they would be alive, despite having watched Hamas propaganda videos declaring them dead by Israeli fire. Unfortunately the grand reunification was not to be and their coffins were returned two weeks later.

    The funeral was absolutely heartbreaking, as one would expect. Yarden started out with words he had learned in Spanish, because Shiri’s family (both her parents were also murdered on the kibbutz that day) were from Argentina…

    “Mi Amor. I remember the first time I said ‘mi amor’ to you. It was at the very beginning of our relationship. You told me only to call you that if I was certain “I loved you.” Shiri, I’ll confess to you now that I already loved you back when I said ‘mi amor.’

    Shiri, I love you and will always love you! Shiri you are everything to me! You are the best wife and mother there could be. Shiri, you are my best friend. Mishmish (apricot), who will help me make decisions now? How am I supposed to make decisions without you? Do you remember our last decision together? In the safe room, I asked you if we should fight or surrender. You said fight so I fought. Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you all.

    I think about everything we went through together – there are so many beautiful memories. I remember Ariel and Kfir’s births. I remember the days we would sit at home or in a café, just the two of us, talking for hours about everything under the sun. It was wonderful. I miss those times deeply. Your presence is profoundly missed.

    I want to tell you everything that is happening in the world and here in Israel. Shiri, everyone knows and loves us – you can’t imagine how surreal all this madness is. Shiri, people tell me they’ll always be by my side, but they’re not you. So please stay close to me and don’t go far! Shiri, this is the closest I’ve been to you since October 7th, and I can’t kiss or hug you, and it’s breaking me!

    Shiri, please watch one me. Protect me from bad decisions. Shields me from harmful things and protect me from myself. Guard me so I don’t sink into darkness. Mishmish, I love you!

    Chooki, Ariel. You made me a father. You transformed us into a family. You taught me what truly matters in life and about responsibility. The day you were born I matured instantly because of you. You taught me so much about myself, and I want to thank you. So thank you, my beloved.

    Ariel, I hope you’re not angry with me for failing to protect you properly and for not being there for you. I hope you know I thought about you every day, every minute. I hope you’re enjoying Paradise. I’m sure you’re making all the angels laugh with your silly jokes and impressions. I hope there are plenty of butterflies for you to watch, just like you did during our picnics.

    Chooki, be careful when you climb down from your cloud not to step on Toni (Yarden’s brother, who was also massacred). Teach Kfir all your impressions and make everyone laugh up there. Ariel, I love you ‘the most in the world, always in the world,’ just as you used to tell us.

    Poopik, Kfir, I didn’t think our family could be more perfect, and then you came along and made it even more perfect. I remember your birth. I remember during the delivery when the midwife suddenly stopped everything – we were frightened and thought something was wrong – but it was just to tell us we had another redhead. Mom and I laughed and rejoiced. You brought more light and happiness to our little home. You came with your sweet, captivating laugh and smile, and I was instantly hooked. It was impossible not to nibble on you all the time.

    Kfir, I’m sorry I didn’t protect you better, but I need you to know that I love you deeply and miss you terribly! I miss nibbling on you and hearing your peals of laughter. I miss our morning games when mom would ask me to watch you before I went to work. I cherished those little moments so much and I miss them now more than ever! Kfir, I love you the most in the world, always in the world!I

    Ave so many more things to tell you, but I’ll save them for when we’re alone…

    In the middle of the night last night, without ceremony or fanfare, Hamas handed over the bodies of four more hostages who had been murdered in captivity. This concludes Phase 1 of the 3 phase agreement. Even at 2 am, Israelis came out en masse with flags to form a sort of honor guard. Final forensic examination proved that the bodies were those of Ohad Yahalomi, Shlomo Manzur, Tsachi Idan and Yitzhak Elgarat, may their memories be a blessing.

    Ohad Yahalomi, 49, was kidnapped from Kinbutz Nir Oz as he attempted to protect his family. He engaged in a gun battle with the terrorists and was shot in the leg. Despite his injury, Ohad urged his wife, Batsheva, and their three children to escape while he stayed behind. While most of his family managed to get away after a harrowing ordeal, he was taken captive into Gaza. He left behind his wife and three children, one of whom, Eitan, was also kidnapped into Gaza. Eitan was released in November, 2023.

    Shlomo Manzur, 85, was born in Baghdad, Iraq. He survived the Farhud (MidEast Holocaust in the late 1940s) and emigrated to Israel as a child. Shlomo was a kind and generous man, one of the founders of Kibbutz Kissufim., a peaceful agricultural kibbutz in the Gaza border. He left behind his wife, Mazal, who managed to escape, and 12 grandchildren. His life began and ended in terror against the Jewish people.

    Yitzhak Elgarat, 68, was a dual Danish-Israeli national, who lived with his family on Kibbutz Nir Oz. He was the kibbutz gardener and handyman. ‘Itzik’ was loved by everyone at the kibbutz as he had a way of bringing people of all ages together and creating social and community events. He was shot in the hand by terrorists while in the safe room of his house. In a final call to us brother, he said, “Danny. This is the end.” They dragged him away where his phone was later traced to Gaza. He was killed by Hamas. He has a brother in Israel and two children living in Denmark.

    Tsachi Idan. Oh Tsachi!! My poor, dear Tsachi! What can I say? I watched horrorstruck that fateful morning. Your family was one of the first live feeds I saw. The terrorists had GoPros on their headbands and filmed everything in real time as they broke into the house.

    https://youtu.be/Taab_3a3124?si=eCMMPIDVJoAn7LUk

    In January, 2024, a video showed him alive but in poor health. Tsachi, now you’ve returned to your broken family. It’s all so beyond words-

    On the positive note, I just had another uplifting Israeli experience just a few minutes ago. Across the street from us is a little brick path that leads tot eh neighborhood gan, the kindergarten. Parents park on the street next to our house when they are dropping and picking up their little kids. I had to give something to our neighbor, and walking back home, there was a car with an open door. Outside the car, with the door open stood four absolutely adorable little four year old girls, their hair in buns and pony tails, cute sweatshirts and backpacks. They were just ssoooo cute! I commented to the father how cute they all were milling about and he said. “Children. They are our life and our future. Our gold. We love them.” Just how refreshing is that? Not a hint of anything untoward. Just pure love. I’ve never experienced this anywhere else-

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    February 25, 2025

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    Courage, Strength and Resilience. War Stories. Day 508. 25 February, 2025

    Today, I’d like to start off by apologizing to anyone who I have made to feel uncomfortable or upset. I am not setting out to do that, and I have spared many gory stories and photographs for that reason. I do try my best to sift through all the news from Israel, find only the factual that I can verify, and report what I see and what the people are experiencing and feeling. I really do try to be as unbiased as possible, and have shied away from topics I know might be offensive to some of my readers (although one day I might have to take those ‘projects’ on).

    As for my own standing with the L-rd. I know we all will be standing in front of Him in judgement one day. I try to keep myself in right standing with Him and with those in my personal life. I am answerable to them, and try to live my life accordingly. And I do try my best to forgive those who have wronged me personally. That said, there is true good in this world -which I will write about in this article – and true EVIL. When I see evil and untruth, it is upon me to call it out and stand against it. We are called to fight against evil, in our own lives and in the world, to the utmost of our abilities. We are to spread goodness and light and help one another, but we cannot allow evil and untruth to go uncovered or unanswered. There is mercy, there is judgement; we do our part and leave the rest up to G-d.

    That said, today’s post will focus on the resiliency of the Israeli people as a whole. Why do they seem so strong? What keeps them going? How can so many seem so resilient…as in the ability to rebound after disaster? Not all can. There have been several suicides after the 7 October…people with survivor’s guilt after the NOVA music festival; those who have seen too much to process; and those whose loved ones have been murdered or directly affected. But they are the minority. Most have taken the proverbial bull by the horns and are doing great things, being a source of strength and inspiration for the rest of us.

    Despite the tragedy and the horror, stories of the released hostages are coming out from the families. Some have gone on to give interviews or make public appearances. Several weeks ago five female IDF soldiers were among those released from Hamas captivity. They were the observation soldiers, who, at an army base adjacent to the border, did surveillance on the computer monitors of the border fence and beyond. They all spent 15 months living in captivity, sometimes together, sometimes alone. They were hidden away in hospitals, in underground tunnels, at some points in the homes of ‘innocent civilians.’ Sometimes they were held together or saw each other during a transfer of location. Other times, they were alone.

    Agam Berger, now age 20, from an observant Jewish family, was held for months with a Gazan civilian family who did not let her shower; who denied her food, yet had her cook for them (she was watched by the children and not allowed to eat any of the family food she was ordered to prepare); who kept her chained. Yet she informed her captors that she would never light a fire to cook on the Sabbath. She would keep the Jewish dietary laws of Kashrut completely, even if that meant only a pita or spoiling vegetables every two days.

    In another civilian’s home where she was kept with Liri Albag and Naama Levy, she told her parents, “Last January the terrorists brought us a Hebrew book they found in the field. They asked me what it was and then just gave it to us. It was a Siddur (prayer book), and we used it daily throughout our captivity. It was G-d’s gift to us.” She went on to say, I do not know why, but somehow they valued me more because I was religious. They said all of Judaism is a lie, and told me I would become Muslim, but they preferred someone who believes in G-d over someone who doesn’t.”

    She described feelings of despair and frustration during her prolonged captivity, yet never gave up hope that she would survive her ordeal. Her religious faith provided the strength and stability to keep her going while in Gaza. She found ways to track the passage of time. “We celebrated all of the holidays. Sometimes we had access to radio, and occasionally, we saw things on television that helped us know the date.” She would pray for a sign, and miraculously, she would see on a television ‘9 Av,’ a fasting day. From there I counted the actual days and was able to observe all the fasts – Yom Kippur, Tisha b’Av and the Fast of Esther.

    Sometimes she was held with fellow captive, Liri Albag, and the two provided emotional support to each other. At one time, she overheard her captors playing a radio and hearing of the rescue of some of the captives early on. “Hearing people fighting for is on the radio strengthened us,” Agam reported. At a news event, she recently made a request, “…that you each take on one good deed in the name of those remaining. Whether it’s doing good for someone else or praying in their merit. I want all the hostages home soon.” As she was led out of Gaza, she and the other girls resolved to radiate strength and joy for the world to see that despite the terrors, Hamas did not have the victory over them and that the people of Israel remain. They vowed from the onset to keep their G-d given dignity.

    Meeting with her parents
    A model of faith and hope

    Just a week ago, Agam Berger’s little sister drafted into the IDF. It was Agam who proudly pinned her braid to her epaulets at the tekes kumta installation ceremony. All of the released hostage girls who served in the army have requested to return to finish their service.

    When Hamas tried to drag Liri Albag, 19, into their underground tunnels, she blatantly refused. She insisted on staying above ground. Somehow she was able to talk the terrorists into stopping to abuse released hostage, Amit Soussana, who described Liri as a “force to be reckoned with. Liri is something special. She has an incredible strength, radiating an ability not to be broken. She gave me courage.” At one time, while being held in a UN sponsored hospital, Liri saw on a television report that people all over the world were fighting to bring the hostages home and the knowledge that they were not forgotten provided her with the strength she needed to survive her ordeal. Upon her release, while in the helicopter that would bring her h9e, Liri gave the heart sign with her hands to show her love and appreciation for the people of Israel.

    “Abba, there are 2 million terrorists there, make no mistake. I saw with children ages 6 and 4, who were spitting on me and cursing the Jews.” She has partially described to her parents “ experiencing insane things that are hard to tell everything about.” Those are reticent to speak out loud too much, because they fear for the lives of the hostages still being held in captivity. “Entire families are under Hamas. I realized I was staying with a family. I started to ask myself ‘why am I in a family home? Why are there children here? Then I learned it was to teach them to mistreat me.” At one time, close to her release, she was forced to do a propaganda video.

    As for others: Kobi Levi, every day wore the tefillin, the boxes containing passages from the Torah/Deuteronomy 6) strapped on their arm and forehead during prayer, that were worn by the kidnapped Eli Sharabi in his merit. Sharabi’s sister had put out a Facebook post soon after his abduction. “She innocently asked who would be willing to take on the responsibility of wearing his tefillin very day. I saw the post, and immediately without thinking twice, I reached out.” Every day when he prayed, he would ask G-d for a release of the hostages, and prayed for Eli Sharabi in particular.

    Kobi has yet to meet the one he prayed for for almost a year and a half, but wrote a letter that has been delivered to Eli. “ … you’ve returned home half a person, just as your family described…you’ve been through so much, losing your wife and daughters, May their memories be a blessing, and your brother who was killed I captivity, May his memory be a blessing. Yet you survived this entire period, and I’m sure that thanks to all the people who love you, you’ll slowly return to yourself. Without knowing you, you’ve entered deep into my heart, and I’m sure we’ll meet. I love you dear Eli. Better days will come, I’m sure.” The tefillin and prayer shawl have been returned to their owner.

    Meet Shachar and Boris. Before their deployment into Gaza to fight Hamas, they made a vow to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro together.

    Indomitable spirit of Boris & Shachar: They Made It!!

    Then came the unthinkable. Shachar was critically injured by an RPG that exploded beside him. Then, just a few days apart, Boris was critically wounded in a terror tunnel that was booby trapped with explosives. It took the lives of four of his unit members. Most people would have given up…but not these two. After months of rehabilitation, including Boris’ prosthetic leg, two weeks ago they proudly stood at the mountain’s peak in the snow. Carrying a banner bearing the faces of the four soldiers who never made it home.

    “We wanted to show everyone struggling physically or mentally to believe in themselves. Get up. Leave your home. See what you are capable of,” stated Shachar. Even with broken bodies they climbed – for themselves. For their brothers-in-arms. For the unbreakable Israeli spirit.

    British-Israeli hostage, Emily Damari, now 28, was held captive by Hamas at UN facilities for much of her 15 months. She was denied visits from the Red Cross, despite her medical condition and underwent surgery without anesthesia, painkillers or antibiotics for gunshot wounds to her legs and hand. She was given an out of date bottle of iodine to put on her wounds by a UN doctor at Shifa medical center. When she heard of her release, Emily offered Hamas to stay in captivity so an older man, American-Israeli, Keith Siegel, could be released in her stead. Her request was denied, but a week later, Siegel was also freed.

    In a photo that has since gone viral, Emily is seen upon and shortly after her release, waving her bandaged hand emblemizing her courage and resilience. It is now an Israeli icon, emoji and meme: it is a symbol of defiance against the true oppressors. Religious have adopted it as the priestly benediction “May G-d bless you and keep you.”

    Ohr Aharoni, Israeli designer and wife of a reservist, is offering necklaces with the Emily’s hand image. It can be found on her Jewselry.com. Site or from Etsy. All her proceeds go to help the wives of reservists or families whose husbands/fathers have fallen or been gravely injured in combat. She is another example of the amazing Israeli spirit.

    Despite the missing fingers and bandages, Israeli spirit says ‘Rock on!!’

    In addition, this morning, former hostage, Emily Damari, received a heartwarming gift. After learning that Emily was in need of a car to resume her normal life, in an amazingly generous anonymous donor in America bought her the car of her dreams. Rabbi Shai Graucher presented her with a new BMW on the donor’s behalf. May she continue to heal and to rebuild her life.

    Faith, spirituality, determination to survive and thrive are just some of the factors that motivate Israelis to push forward. Support from friends and family also helps. But the Jewish people have been fighting off those enemies who wish to see them annihilated for millennia now. They are familiar with the trope. And they know how the story always ends: the Jewish people are preserved, victorious; their enemies are vanquished; a great feast is created. As the saying goes. “They lost. We’re still alive. Let’s celebrate.” There is also the command to be the Light to the world. I believe Israel, although badly shaken, will continue to shine. As former hostage Mia Shemm put it, “We will dance again.”

    עם ישראל חי! 🇮🇱 💪🏼 The people of Israel live

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    February 23, 2025

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    Rainbows Amid the Storms War Stories. Day 506. 23 February, 2025

    Rainbow spotted over Mediterranean/Tel Aviv, Thursday morning

    Amid all the horrors and atrocities we’ve read about or seen in this world over the past week, there shines the miraculous. Sometimes in the middle of a storm, a rainbow appears. To remind us of the Mercy and Love and Promises of G-d. This week two huge ones shone brightly. Neither were widely noticed nor were they widely publicized.

    The first rainbow was a true, visible one. The day of the return of Oded Lifshitz and the Bibas babies in coffins, amidst the gray clouds and raindrops, a rainbow shone. Out over the Mediterranean, off the coast of Gaza and up to Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Netanya. It didn’t last long, but it was there, almost as if it were a sign.

    I will now share with you a post on X/Twitter that was written by Hillel Fuld. “Hilz” is a completely reliable witness. I can vouch for him. He is the brother of my friend Ari Fuld (of blessed memory), who was killed in a terror attack right before Yom Kippur a few years back. I will now share with you from the X account of Hillel Fuld:

    Since day one, I’ve been telling anyone who will listen that since 10/7, we’ve witnessed so many miracles, it’s hard to count.
    Some of these miracles are easy to recognize, like how well the beeper operation went down or how successful we were at intercepting or detonating those hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles fired at us from Iran. Twice.
    Other miracles were harder to recognize.
    And then we have last night. Last night was a miracle the caliber of the splitting of the sea. I am talking an open miracle that could and should have ended very differently.

    Do not ask me my sources and if that means you don’t believe what I’m about to say, so be it. You can keep scrolling. But if you know my work, you know I’m very careful with what I share so if I’m sharing this, trust me, it’s based on a reliable source.

    Last night (Thursday), a young lady noticed a suspicious object on a bus in the center of Israel. She reported it to the driver who pulled into a station, got everyone off the bus at which point, the bus blew up and was completely destroyed.
    But that wasn’t the end of it. Not even close.
    Over the hours that followed, an additional four bombs were found on busses, some of them exploded, others were taken apart before exploding. Some malfunctioned.
    According to my source, and this was news to me, a whopping 15 busses were supposed to explode this morning. According to reports, the terrorists set the timer to 9 PM instead of 9AM.
    So, is that the worst of it? Not even close.
    In addition to the 15 busses, 5 suicide bombers were set to detonate bombs on the light rail at the same time, all in the center of Israel (Tel Aviv area).
    So, is that the worst? Nope. That’s the good part.
    Where did this attack originate? Gaza? Nope. It was Judaea and Samaria. In other words, these terrorists came from within Israel.
    And here’s the kicker, and again, I am not telling you where I heard this, all of the above was intended to be nothing more than the distraction, much like the incoming rockets on 10/7. Just a distraction for the real invasion.
    My source says that as those busses and terrorists blew up, massive security and emergency forces were supposed to rush to the scene at which point, there would be a massive breach of the security fence and many terrorists from Judaea and Samaria would invade Israel and carry out another 10/7 2.0. Only this time it wouldn’t be from Gaza so it would be an invasion into basically every major city in Israel.
    For the third time, this is not information that is publicly available. I can’t share a link and I won’t share a source. Believe me or don’t. Up to you.
    It is worth pointing out that for decades, we did not have any bus explosions in Israel. We do this deal and release terrorists, some of whom were the architects behind the buys bombings during the intifada, and all of a sudden, we’re back to busses blowing up.
    I can’t imagine anyone believing that that’s a coincidence.
    All of this was supposed to go down during rush hours and would have caused hundreds, maybe thousands of Israeli deaths.
    Even if the rest isn’t true, multiple busses blowing up like this bus during rush hour? Can’t even imagine.
    Yesterday morning was one of the hardest days in Israel’s history. Perhaps the hardest. We all felt hopeless, every last one of us.
    When we are in pain, G-d is in pain with us.
    I don’t know about you but yesterday morning, as I saw the coffins of the Bibas angels, I looked up to HaShem and asked why. Why would He cause us so much pain or allow Hamas to do this to us?
    I told myself that we’ll be okay but wasn’t sure if that was true. Was G-d even watching over us any more? Has He abandoned us? Did He turn His back on us?
    Then, as the hostages were being delivered, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the Israeli skies, a sign from the times of Noah, that G-d won’t ever destroy the world or let it be destroyed. A rainbow, according to Jewish scripture, is G-d’s way of telling us, “Don’t worry. I got your back.”
    Still though, I was just so sad and so angry.
    And then the news started to hit my feeds.
    A bus exploded. No injuries.
    Hmmm. “How does that happen?” I asked myself.
    Then another bus exploded. No injuries. And a third. No injuries. I already felt G-d’s presence again. And the news kept coming in. More bombs discovered. More Intel. This was supposed to be the biggest attack since 10/7, maybe even bigger.
    Totally thwarted.
    By who? The IDF? Nope. Shabak? Nope. Mossad? Nope.
    This was a massive attack prevented 100% by G-d Himself. And a very vigilant young lady who noticed the suspicious object.
    Whatever Hamas planned or didn’t plan for this morning. I would not be writing these words if the plan had come to fruition. But G-d had other plans and fate all the pain G-d’s chuildren endured yesterday, He felt we needed to be reminded of His presence. He felt we needed to be reminded that He has our back, now and always. He was right. We did need it.
    This event might go down in history as one of the biggest miracles the Jewish people experienced since Biblical times.
    “There are two ways to live life. One is that nothing is a miracle. The other is that everything is a miracle.”
    The beepers? The walkie-talkies? Getting Nasrallah? Haniyeh? Deif? They’ll attribute all of that to Israel’s intelligence.
    But this? What happened last night? Israel had nothing to do with it. If you don’t see this event as a miracle, there is only one explanation. You don’t want to see it as a miracle.
    Open your eyes. Clean your lenses. HaShem is here with us in our pain and each day that passes, we are one day closer to Him finally revealing Himself to us, explaining why any of this had to happen, and ultimately bringing Moshiach.
    For now, I just wanted to recognize HaShem’s greatness and on behalf of the hundreds, maybe thousands of Israelis who should be dead right now, just say thank you.

    הודו לה השם כי טוב כי לעולם חסדו
    Give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever.
    ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוהינו מלך העולם הגומל לחי ים טובות, שגמלני כל טוב.
    Blessed are you, O LORD, our G-d, King of the Univese, who rewards good deeds, who rewards me for every good thing.
    We say this blessing when we are saved from tragedy. Today the Jewish nation was saved from tragedy.
    Thank you, HaShem.


    -Hillel Fuld, on X
    Bus driver checks bus, orders all passengers out after spotting a suspicious package… bus will explode 1 minute later